Your Guide to the Best Dining Spots in Cartago  

Cartago, a city steeped in history and culture, is now rising to stardom through its culinary world. From the great traditional local eats of Cartago, Costa Rica, to exotic international flavor delicacies, there are wide diversities of food for every palate, from the very charming streets and thrills of beauty around it.  

Join us for this tour of some of the best restaurants in Cartago, where locals and visitors can enjoy memorable flavors. Let this Cartago foodie guide help you filter what and where to eat in Cartago for an authentic culinary experience without requiring much effort. 

Restaurant 1: La Casona del Cafetal 

• Address: 30204, Provincia de Cartago, Paraíso, 30204, Costa Rica 
• Phone: +506 2577 1643 
• Timings: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM 
• Cuisine: Costa Rican 
• Ambiance: Rustic, cozy with a view of coffee plantations 
• Popular Serves: Coffee, gallo pinto, tamales 

Situated amidst stunning coffee plantations, La Casona del Cafetal presents an introduction par excellence to traditional food in Cartago. This quaint hideaway is worth coming to because it is where one finds classic Costa Rican dishes, such as gallo pinto, consumed with freshly brewed local coffee. It has one of the finest Cartago dining spots, especially for those who enjoy breakfast time. You can appreciate not only the cuisine but also the breathtaking scenery of Cartago Province.   

Restaurant 2: El Fogón de Los Abuelos 

• Address: 3 Kilometros Al Este Del Cruce Del Sagrado Corazon De Cot, Cartago Costa Rica 
• Phone: +506 2536 6167 
• Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
• Cuisine: South American, Costa Rican 
• Ambiance: Traditional, family-oriented 
• Popular Serves: Casados, grilled meats 

El Fogón de Los Abuelos is the quintessential stop for anyone who wants to taste local Cartago cuisine. A restaurant known for its very family-friendly atmosphere and specializing in severe amounts of casados and grilled meats, all cooked with a hearty and traditional touch, it is a staple for both locals and visitors alike. Among the strongest attractions on a food tour in Cartago, its comforting flavors really reflect the authenticity of Costa Rican home cooking. 

Restaurant 3: Restaurante Mamalila 

• Address: 100 metros este de Autopits en la entrada de, Cartago Province, Cartago, Costa Rica 
• Phone: +506 2551 0405 
• Menu: mamalilacr.com 
• Timings: Varies, usually open for lunch and dinner 
• Cuisine: Argentinean  
• Ambiance: Cozy and casual 
• Popular Serves: Grilled meats, empanadas 

Restaurante Mamalila provides a flavor of Argentina in the middle of Cartago. It specializes in grilled meats and tasty empanadas, setting it apart from any for those searching to venture beyond local cuisine. The laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy new tastes. Among the top restaurants in Cartago, Mamalila offers a different twist on the city’s growing food scene. 

Restaurant 4: La Posada de la Luna 

• Address: V38C+876, C. 20, Provincia de Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica 
• Phone: +506 2534 8330 
• Menu: https://www.laposadadelalunacr.com/  
• Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM 
• Cuisine: Latin, Costa Rican 
• Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly 
• Ambiance: Charming, elegant 
• Popular Serves: Seafood dishes, ceviche 

La Posada de la Luna serves a refined dining experience in an elegant, tasteful setting. Fresh ceviche and various seafood choices are huge draws for a meal in a refined yet easygoing atmosphere. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options abound, so everyone gets a taste of the best local eats in Cartago. La Posada de la Luna, one of the best restaurants in Cartago, promises an unforgettable meal where every bite is a journey on the coastlines of Costa Rica. 

Restaurant 5: La Puerta del Sol 

• Address: Cartago Province, Cartago, Costa Rica 
• Phone: +506 2551 0615 
• Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM 
• Cuisine: Mediterranean 
• Service options: Serves great cocktails · Has kids’ menu 
• Ambiance: Elegant, warm 
• Popular Serves: Paella, lamb dishes 

La Puerta del Sol is where Mediterranean flavors meet Costa Rican warmth. With numerous dishes—from deliciously rich paella to succulent lamb—it’s an excellent recommendation for those wishing to taste the Mediterranean. The inviting ambiance makes it one of the best places to eat in Cartago, especially for a night out with all the trimmings. When you feel like experiencing elegance and comfort, La Puerta del Sol has it all to amuse. 

Conclusion  

Cartago is full of culinary expressions, from rustic Costa Rican cafes to posh dining venues, offering visitors dishes that embody local flavors and worldwide taste buds.  

This Cartago food guide has highlighted some of the places you should visit in this city: everything from the good old Costa Rican to a little more innovative fusion delicacies. Pick your choice restaurant while sampling some of the gems that lie within the wide array of what the city of Cartago has in store, and savor every bite as a testament to its growing reputation as a culinary destination.   

Whether you are craving traditional Costa Rican fare or international cuisine, let Cartago surprise and delight your taste buds.